Bristol Lido | Swim and Lunch Review
Posted on: 2017-11-14
Our rating:
The contrast of the very warm steam, sauna and hot tub areas with the refreshing 20-24 degree Celsius, 24 metres outdoor pool made for a welcome attack on all the senses...
In a busy city such as ours, you can still find a little piece of tranquil escapism down a Clifton side street in a well-loved place called the Bristol Lido.
This gem consists of a restored Victorian swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, massage rooms and a first class award-winning restaurant. The original swimming baths opened its doors for the first time in 1850, was sadly closed in 1990 but was then re-opened again to the public in December 2008 - and ever since then it's been seen as a haven for local people as well as for folk visiting the city. I have to say that having just spent some time there through the use of a 'swim and eat' package, I can totally understand the appeal of this place.
This popular package allowed myself and my friend to use the pool and spa facilities from 11am and then we had to head to the restaurant for lunch (which included two courses from the a la carte menu) at 1pm; it truly felt like the perfect amount of time to unwind using the various rooms before building up an appetite. The contrast of the very warm steam, sauna and hot tub areas with the refreshing 20-24 degree Celsius, 24 metres outdoor pool made for a welcome attack on all the senses and we were both left invigorated and energetic by the time our thoughts turned to food.
The restaurant proved to be a treat in itself and I can see why it can get booked up quite far in advance; the setting is beautiful as it overlooks the outside pool and the tapas menu seems to be a very popular choice with diners. However, I opted for a salad with olives for my starter (Kim the supervisor on duty went out of her way to accommodate my dietary needs) and my friend had the 'wood roast scallops with sweet herbs and garlic butter' (this was perfectly cooked and deliciously juicy).
I liked the atmosphere in this restaurant, which consists of wood-fired ovens, as it was the right amount of busy - you could hear each other talk but it wasn't deathly quiet like a library setting! You didn't feel rushed and the staff all seemed as relaxed as we were and I loved that there were floor to ceiling doors which can slide back when the weather dictates some air is needed. (That wasn't necessary on a brisk November day but I would imagine it's a real treat when the warmer months kick in.)
For the main dishes, my friend went for the expertly heated 'hake a la gallega' dish, which she said came with an amazingly divine tomato and butter bean sauce, and I went for the 'charcoal grilled age rare rump of beef, celeriac puree and wild mushrooms' (I left out the jerez cream sauce but the dish felt complete and satisfying to me without it.) On the side, we also had the 'crispy fried potatoes with rosemary and garlic' - the perfect addition to most meals.
This dining experience was a real pleasure because we could properly rest and therefore digest our food, having been truly made to relax after our spa time. I'll admit I was stressed when I first arrived for my time at the Bristol Lido - as most of us so often are when our usual days of juggling life kicks into action! But by the time I left, I was floating on a cloud of zen.
Myself and my friend felt good even without a massage but I would imagine that a treatment chucked into your plan, will further add to your happiness. (Mine's an Indian head massage if any of my family are reading this and thinking of what vouchers to get me for Christmas....ahem!)
Prices vary depending on what you are after but one thing's for sure, whether you go with a group or visit this place on your own - you'll be very glad you went to this local treasure that is a grade 2 listed building and by the time you leave, you will probably be considering membership.
Click here for more information on the Bristol Lido.
Article by:
Kelly worked as a journalist for the BBC for 12 years before she changed careers and went into the field of marketing. Having worked at BBC 6 Music for several years, she is passionate about many different genres of sound. Her other interests include theatre, comedy, books, food and days out with the family (she has a young daughter who she describes as a "whirlwind of fun.") Kelly is married to Vik who is a true Bristolian to the core! She is also studying nutritional therapy.
